Read this article before unpacking, operating, charging, or storing GX1. It covers the hazards an operator can encounter while using GX1, and the steps to take to operate the device safely. Keep this article available to anyone who uses the device.
Safety is the operator's responsibility. Following these warnings reduces, but does not eliminate, the risks of operating GX1. Operators must use sound judgment and observe site safety rules at all times.
Safety symbols used in Emesent documentation
The following symbols appear throughout GX1 documentation and indicate the severity of a hazard.
Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
🛑 Error | A serious hazard that can cause injury, damage to GX1, or loss of scan data. Stop and address the cause before continuing. |
⚠️ Warning | A condition that can interrupt operation or require rework, but does not present a risk of damage or injury. |
ℹ️ Note | Information that helps the operator use GX1 correctly. Not a hazard. |
Before you use GX1
Before the first use:
Read this article in full.
Read GX1 quick start and Set up GX1 for the first time.
Inspect GX1 and its accessories for damage. Do not operate GX1 if any component shows visible damage.
Confirm the operating environment is within the rated conditions (see Environmental limits below).
LiDAR sensor
The LiDAR sensor is the rotating puck in the center of GX1. The sensor spins continuously during a scan. The main hazard during normal use is hair or loose items becoming entangled in the rotating sensor.
Rotating sensor and entanglement
Hair and loose items can become caught in the rotating sensor and cause injury or damage to the sensor.
Before starting a scan:
Tie up long hair.
Remove or secure scarves, lanyards, loose clothing, and jewelry.
Confirm no cables, straps, or other items can reach the rotating sensor.
If a scan can't be stopped from Commander
If Commander is not responsive (for example, the mobile device battery is flat or the Wi-Fi connection is lost), do not grab the GX1 or the LiDAR sensor to stop the scan. The rotating sensor can cause injury or damage.
To stop a scan safely:
Press the Power Button on the GX1. This ends the scan.
If pressing the Power Button does not stop the scan, remove the battery. Scan data is preserved up to approximately 30 seconds before the battery is removed.
Cleanliness and damage
Do not touch the optical surfaces of the LiDAR sensor with bare hands.
Clean the sensor with a lens-safe cloth only. Do not use solvents.
Inspect the sensor for cracks, scratches, or other damage before each use.
If the sensor is damaged, stop using GX1 and contact Emesent support.
Eye safety
GX1 is a Class 1 laser product, certified to IEC 60825-1 and to 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 (US FDA). Under normal operating conditions, GX1 is eye-safe and no protective eyewear is required.
Do not view the LiDAR sensor at close range through optical instruments (magnifiers, binoculars, telescopes) while it is operating. Optical instruments can concentrate the beam and override the Class 1 designation.
Battery safety
GX1 uses a removable 54 Wh 10.8 V Smart Li-Ion battery. The battery is certified to UN 38.3 (UN Manual of Tests and Criteria) and to IEC 62133 for safe operation. Lithium-ion batteries can still present fire and chemical hazards if mishandled.
Inspect before use
Inspect each battery before installing it in GX1 or the dual-bay charger. Do not use a battery that shows any of the following:
Swelling, bulging, or distortion of the case.
Cracks, dents, or punctures.
Leakage or unusual odor.
Damage to the contacts or removal tab.
Signs of overheating (discoloration, burn marks).
Charging
Charge GX1 batteries only in the supplied dual-bay battery charger, or in GX1 over USB-C. See Charge GX1 batteries and Power GX1 from an external source.
Do not use a third-party charger.
Do not leave a charging battery unattended for extended periods.
Do not charge a battery that is visibly damaged, has been exposed to water, or has been in an impact event.
Charge batteries on a hard, non-flammable surface with adequate ventilation.
Storage and transport
GX1 batteries are 54 Wh, below the 100 Wh threshold that most airlines use as the limit for carry-on lithium-ion batteries without special arrangement. Transport is covered by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and the corresponding UN 38.3 certification.
Carry batteries in their original packaging or in a non-conductive container with terminals protected from short circuits.
Do not check GX1 batteries as hold luggage on commercial aircraft. Carry them in cabin baggage.
Do not transport visibly damaged batteries by any mode.
Confirm airline-specific carry-on limits before travel. Different carriers and jurisdictions apply different caps on quantity.
Power and electrical safety
GX1 runs on its removable battery. The USB-C port can also power GX1 from an external source. Each power input has specific voltage and source requirements.
USB-C
The USB-C port on GX1 can be used can power GX1 from an external source. GX1 runs on its battery by default. To power GX1 over USB-C, use a source that supplies at least 65 W.
Do not perform a scan while GX1 is powered over USB-C. Power GX1 from battery power for a scan.
If powering GX1 over USB-C, use only a source that supplies at least 65 W and meets the GX1 USB-C input specification. Connecting an unsupported source can damage GX1 or cause unreliable operation.
See Power GX1 from an external source for supported power sources and connection guidance.
Cables and connectors
Inspect cables for damage before each use.
Do not use cables with cracked insulation, exposed conductors, or damaged connectors.
Do not run cables across walkways or where they can be tripped over.
Disconnect cables by pulling on the connector, not the cable.
Environmental limits
Operating temperature
GX1 is rated to operate between -10°C and 45°C (14°F to 113°F). Operating GX1 outside this range can affect scan accuracy and may damage internal components.
GX1 may not start in environments below -10°C. In very hot environments, especially in direct sun, battery life is severely reduced and GX1 can overheat.
Do not leave GX1 unattended in direct sun on a hot day. Overheating can damage internal components. Do not place GX1 in the hard case while it is turned on.
Water and dust
GX1 has been designed with an IP65 rating. This means GX1 is protected against dust ingress and against low-pressure water jets from any direction. IP65 does not mean GX1 is waterproof.
Do not submerge GX1 in water. Do not operate GX1 in heavy rain or expose it to high-pressure water (for example, a pressure washer). Dry GX1 with a clean cloth after exposure to moisture, before charging or storing.
Travel and field storage between deployments uses the supplied IP65 hard case.
Packing GX1 in the hard case
Do not place GX1 in the hard case while it is turned on.
Storage temperature
Store GX1 at temperatures between -20°C and 60°C (-4°F to 140°F). Long-term storage outside this range can shorten battery life and may damage internal components.
Mechanical hazards
Quick Mount locking lever
The Quick Mount locking lever has a pinch point between the lever and the Quick Mount body. Keep fingers clear of the lever path when locking and unlocking the Quick Mount. See Attach GX1 to Quick Mount.
Battery bay door
The battery bay door uses squeeze clips.
Backpack and ergonomics
The GX1 backpack is intended for use across full operating days. Incorrect fit or technique can cause back, shoulder, or neck strain.
Set the torso height and load lifters for the operator before first use. See Set up GX1 backpack.
Lift the backpack from a raised surface where possible. Use the secondary method (from the ground) only when a raised surface is not available. See Set up GX1 backpack.
Take breaks during extended deployments.
If pain or numbness develops, stop and adjust the fit before continuing.
Awareness while scanning
When operating GX1 in the field, the operator's attention is often on the device, the scan path, or Commander on the mobile device. This reduces awareness of the surrounding environment.
Maintain awareness of trip hazards, drop-offs, vehicles, and other obstacles while scanning. Stop scanning to navigate hazardous areas. Do not operate GX1 while walking on uneven ground without first surveying the path.
Pole and head clearance
When GX1 is mounted on the Telescoping Pole of the Backpack Harness, a correctly configured backpack keeps the device clear of the operator's head and helmet through normal range of motion. If GX1 contacts the operator's head while walking, the backpack is incorrectly configured. Adjust the pole height, torso height, or load lifters. See Set up GX1 backpack.
Wireless and RF
For RF safety information, operating distances, approved usage configurations, and full regulatory statements, see GX1 regulatory information.
Service and modification
GX1 has no user-serviceable parts inside the enclosure. Do not open GX1.
Opening the enclosure can:
Expose the operator to internal components.
Damage the device.
Invalidate the IP65 rating and disrupt the factory LiDAR calibration.
Void the warranty.
Invalidate compliance certifications.
Contact Emesent for any repairs or modifications.
After an impact
If GX1 has been dropped, hit by another object, or otherwise involved in an impact event:
Stop using GX1.
Visually inspect the enclosure, LiDAR sensor, cameras, and connectors. Visible damage is not always present.
Contact Emesent support before resuming use. See GX1 calibration.
Modifications
Do not modify GX1 or its accessories. Use only the mounts, batteries, chargers, and cables supplied by Emesent. Modifications and third-party accessories can compromise safety and void compliance certifications.
Report a safety concern
If a safety incident occurs involving GX1, or a safety concern is identified, contact Emesent Client Success at emesent.com/client-success.